After much debate Against the Best has moved on to a new phase in his life. He is now going to be primarily a pleasure horse in upstate NY. Here he is with his new owner, as excited as ever.
You haven't seen the last of Best though. The USTA will include photos of him in one of the October editions of Hoof Beats. While we wait for the article on the United States Trotting Association's new partnership with the American Driving Society here are a few pictures of Best over the last few years.
This one was taken by Sue Andrews as my Dad recovers from open heart surgery. My parents share the seat while driving Best during a fun class. While perhaps not the safest option every, they certainly had fun with him that day.
Two reserve championships at the Saratoga Driving Trial is nothing to sneeze at. He's never going to be a dressage master but he's a lot of fun to drive in cones and on the marathon course. I remember the first time we did the marathon course here, he was surprised to find a hazard in the woods.
First year
Second year
Under saddle and without blinkers in the woods! He was so good on this judged trail ride. It was like Gilligan's Island - supposed to be a 2 1/2 hr ride that turned into 5 hrs. It was his first ride in the woods and we were seriously overmatched by the terrain but he got it done and finished 6th in his division.
Best and I hanging out on the rail, working on his social skills. We spent a lot of time hanging out.
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And perhaps the best thing about Best, the opportunity to drive tandem with Best and Draken. What an exciting thing to do!
Our whole family joins in wishing Best the best with his new family. If for any reason he should ever need a home again, our barn will always have a stall for him.
